The G-FORS STREP developed an innovative analytical model for the study of governance for sustainability, focusing on the synergy between new governance modes and different forms of knowledge, taking into account the rapid changes in the knowledge society. For this purpose, G-FORS will identify a range of different forms of knowledge (i.e. local knowledge, expert knowledge) and analyse how they may interact in the context of particular governance arrangements to produce "reflexive knowledge" and contribute to a more legitimate understanding of sustainability.

The three case study areas are emission trade, air quality management/particulate matter and strategic environmental assessment and their implementation at national and local level. These areas have been chosen because they involve different governance modes in a multi-level context that illustrate the positive interactions and potential tensions between certain governance arrangements, different forms of knowledge and sustainable development.

Point of reference is “the problem of ignorance” in the so called knowledge society: taking decisions against a background of risk. This is especially crucial for environment and sustainability policies. From this point we investigate the interplay of governance arrangements and knowledge and analyse the problem solving capacities of specific arrangements/arenas. Proceeding from the empirical research, the research team will assess how the engagement of a range of actors in new multi-level governance arrangements can be activated to tackle any future threats of democratic deficit and to promote participation and sustainable development.

The research team developed a new conceptual framework which brings governance and knowledge together. Particularly this model understands governance as a process of actor involvement and decisions making in more cooperative manner. Knowledge is understood in a wide range of different knowledge forms which all of them can influence policy making. A discourse analysis of this interplay can uncover the potential of sustainable governance by involving different knowledge forms and actors. Moreover the different levels of analysis and the wide range of case studies will test empirical the model of G-FORS.

The project is a STREP and is funded by The EU Commission's Research Framework Programme 6 priority 7 (Citizens and Governance in a Knowledge-Based Society - The Implications of European Integration and Enlargement for Governance and the Citizen).

The first year of the project mainly addressed the elaboration of a new concept and its operationalisation. This fusion of concepts on governance arrangements and knowledge forms will be analysed by discourse analysis as primary methodological tool. This leads to a case studies selection.

City of Hannover, Lord Mayor’s Office, Strategy and Policy Department
Trammplatz 2
30159 Hannover
Germany
Dr. Georgios Terizakis (Co-ordinator), tel. + 49 511 168 40912

//2006

The main researchers are: Prof. Dr. Rob Atkinson, Prof. Dr. Hubert Heinelt, Prof. Dr. Allessandro Balducci, Prof. Dr. Kostas Bitahs, Prof. Dr. Ulf Matthiesen, Prof. Dr. Bas Denters, Prof. Dr. Folke Johansson, Prof. Dr. Pavel Swianiewicz, Dr. Jan-Erling Klausen, Prof. Dr. Ilona Pálná Kovács

research

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Environmental sustainability